13.1 Our 1993 formal inspection report had welcomed a further extension to the lease for the ground on which the prison stands. This had guaranteed the establishment’s continued existence until shortly after the turn of the century but with that deadline now approaching, we were again concerned that there appeared to be no long term strategy for the future of the prison. Uncertainty about the status of its ancient wooden huts was all pervasive and was never far from the minds of management and staff.

13.2 The central issue which therefore emerges is that high level decisions need to be taken with regard to whether this prison continues to occupy its present site and in what form. The issue of whether its buildings are configured for greater permanence is of particular significance at present, as record levels of overcrowding are being experienced in local prisons throughout the SPS. The only relief in sight is the opening of HMP Kilmarnock in 1999, but it now looks as though even its additional 500 places will soon be swallowed up.

13.3 Meanwhile, Low Moss annually receives more than one fifth of the total adult male convicted admissions to Scottish prisons. It is ideally situated to serve its population, the majority of whom come from Greater Glasgow and a new motorway link will make its location even more pivotal. For all these reasons, we fully support the continuation of Low Moss as part of the SPS estate, though it will require a major injection of resources to bring it up to more modern standards.

13.4 As with many other establishments we found drug misuse to be a major problem but were impressed with the remedial work being undertaken in Alba House. The commitment of staff and the relatively small group of prisoners who were involved in that innovative project was also commendable. Similarly, we were encouraged by the creation of so many drug free dormitories but have suggested that there is a need to revisit that strategy, so that what is regarded as basic entitlements is not included as part of the accompanying incentive scheme. Nevertheless, we were disappointed by the lack of an anti-drug strategy which addressed the needs of the majority of prisoners in a comprehensive fashion. We firmly believe there must be greater efforts to try and wean more prisoners off drugs, despite their relatively short stay at Low Moss.

13.5 One of the issues associated with growing drug misuse in prison is a concomitant rise in the levels of violence. Whilst the annual figures for assaults on staff or prisoner on prisoner assaults were fairly static, we were concerned that the total number of incidents was still relatively high. It would appear the nature of dormitory living makes it inherently difficult to supervise prisoners at all times, more particularly in the narrow corridors which link the various huts. However, we were pleased to hear that a revised anti-bullying strategy was to be introduced shortly within the prison.

13.6 So far as daily living conditions were concerned, we noted that arrangements for kit and bedding changes fell far short of the relevant SPS Operating Standards. Part of the reason for this situation was the fact that there were no local facilities for laundering the majority of items issued to prisoners. Hopefully, our recommendation for a review of these arrangements will go some way towards resolving this. We had similar concerns about dormitory furniture, but learned subsequently that a bid had been made for these items to be replaced.

13.7 With regard to other elements of the regime, we have highlighted the need to introduce a form of Risks and Needs Assessment which would inform the way in which prisoner programmes are developed and delivered. In particular we believe that the role of the Residential Officer at Low Moss requires to be enhanced in line with current SPS policy. These Officers will then be the main source through which prisoner programmes are delivered, a change in emphasis which should also improve relationships with prisoners. That said, during the course of our visit we found staff/prisoner relationships to be acceptable (though we thought that some staff were inconsistent with their application of local rules).

13.8 Finally, it must again be acknowledged that the establishment is comparatively cheap to run. At present it has the most inexpensive unit costs in the country and its worksheds also allow for almost 100% employment. We assess that Low Moss, with its relatively high prisoner throughput, continues to occupy a vital strategic position and that its importance could well increase, given the rising levels of overcrowding elsewhere in the SPS.

13.9 A list of Recommendations and Points of Note is attached, though we have also written to the Governor asking him to address a number of concerns of a minor nature.